Allergy And Sinus

If left unchecked, allergy and sinus problems can lead to serious conditions. They can even be life-threatening for the child. They can lead to Sinusitis, upper airway infections, persistent allergies or asthma.

What are their causes and concerns?

There are many reasons why children could develop sinus and allergy problems, some of which are listed below:

• Sinusitis – is the result of a viral or bacterial infection. It is likely to occur among children when allergies are left untreated.
• Asthma – is characterised by breathing difficulties caused due to the swelling and inflammation of the airways, making the passage of air to and from the lungs difficult. Flare-ups (also called asthma attacks) occur when the airway becomes restricted or when the lung components swell and tighten.
• Allergies – are usually triggered among some children when exposed to pollen, mould, mildew, pet dander, cockroaches etc. Some children may experience sinus and airway symptoms only during allergy season, while others may have persistent allergies.

What are their symptoms?

Some typical symptoms of sinus and allergy problems shown by children are:

• Fatigue during physical activity
• Tight feeling in the chest
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Nasal drainage and congestion
• Trouble sleeping
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Wheezing

However, these symptoms may vary from child to child, which is why the doctor should do a thorough medical examination before recommending a treatment plan. If your child has persistent allergy or sinus symptoms, it may indicate an underlying medical condition.

What are the solutions and treatment options?

When you come in to see us, the doctor first examines the child to determine the possibility of conditions like asthma, sinusitis, upper respiratory infection, or persistent allergies. Further tests are conducted if the child is found to have any of these conditions, like:

• Allergy testing – is performed to find out if the symptoms result from a reaction to an allergen. 
• Spirometry – is an asthma test that measures how much air is flowing through the lungs and the pulmonary function. However, it is performed on children older than five years of age.
• X-ray – may be performed if the doctor suspects that the child has a sinus or lung infection.

Once the cause of the problem is determined, the doctor implements a treatment plan, which may include allergy desensitization shots, medication, antibiotics and breathing treatments. It is best to start the treatment early to prevent complications.

In conclusion

Allergy and sinus problems, especially among children, must be taken and dealt with seriously to prevent further issues. If you think your child has any such symptoms, call us and book an appointment with our competent specialist. Together, we will find a solution for you and your child.

Additional Reading: http://www.webmd.com/asthma/tc/asthma-in-children-overview